U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ellis “Jerry” Majetich had already received the life-changing news that PulteGroup is building him a new mortgage-free home through its Built to Honor program. Now, Majetich and his family have officially broken ground on their future home at Del Webb Nocatee in Ponte Vedra. This is the first Built to Honor home donated in a Del Webb community which is designed for active adults ages 55 and older.
“Del Webb Nocatee is the perfect place for the Majetich family to call home,” said Dan Reynolds, vice president of construction at PulteGroup’s North Florida Division. “They will be part of a strong community, including fellow veterans, who have already extended a warm welcome to them – before construction has even begun on their new home. We are so excited for the wonderful new memories the family will create together when they move in later this year.”
Receiving a special introduction to Del Webb Nocatee, a crowd of residents and soon-to-be neighbors lined the community streets to warmly welcome Majetich and his wife Mary Ella as they saw their future homesite for the first time. Being built specifically for them, the single-story home is designed to meet all of Majetich’s needs.
“It is truly an honor for our team to build this home for Staff Sgt. Majetich and thank him for his dedication and service to our country,” said Tony Nason, vice president of operations at PulteGroup’s North Florida Division. “We are so excited to be working with Jerry to build a home that is fully accessible and that will vastly improve his quality of life.”
Majetich joined the military out of Kennewick, Washington, in 1988 because he wanted to better his life while serving and protecting his country. He served for nearly 20 years, including a stint in the Marine Corps, before being honorably discharged in 2007.
While riding in a vehicle convoy as part of a large battalion, Majetich’s vehicle was struck by an IED, causing severe injuries. In the firefight that ensued, he was shot four times before being airlifted out for emergency care. He suffered burns on more than one-third of his body, including his face and scalp, the loss of his ears and nose, right hand and fingers on his left hand to amputation, the removal of part of his intestines and stomach, a fractured spine, fractured left foot and bullet wounds in his right shoulder and right leg. He also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury. Since his initial injuries occurred, he has undergone more than 80 surgeries to date.
For his service to his country, Majetich is the recipient of numerous awards and medals, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Navy Marine Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit Commendation.
“Nothing has ever been given to us; everything we have we’ve worked for,” Majetich said. “We are both still overwhelmed with emotions — so thankful for everyone who is a part of this. To try to put our feelings into words is impossible, but we’re going to strive to pay it forward for the rest of our lives.”
This will be the second home dedicated in the greater Jacksonville area through PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program. The home is being awarded in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit organization committed to rebuilding lives and supporting the men and women who were injured while serving the country during the time of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. For more information about Built to Honor, go to builttohonor.org.
